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Master carver Abdul Aziz Mohamadu designs this stunning wall mask featuring Igbo stylizations. Mohamadu call his original design Udo, meaning "peace." In the tradition of Igbo dance masks, this one is carved by hand of rubberwood and lavishly adorned with a raffia beard. The face is adorned with ornately embossed aluminum plates as well as painted details. Applications of clay are used to give the wall mask the appearance of an aged piece.

Abdul has a dream of establishing an art academy for carving and sharing the African culture that is so closely tied to wood carving. So far, he has trained over 30 people but hopes that number can grow to be in the hundreds with an academy.

Since he started working with NOVICA, he has been able to grow his business. Through NOVICA and his determination, every day he gets a little closer to his goal of empowering and training others in carving.

West Africa

"In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either."

"At a tender age, I used to draw pictures from magazines with a pencil. During my primary education, I painted with watercolors, to the admiration of my parents and their friends. This gave me confidence and inspired me to continue. I knew I'd be a painter in the future, as I realized that the flair for painting was in-born.

"When I was in senior high, I used to visit friends who were in college pursuing courses in painting. I'd practice with them using acrylics on canvas – I didn't find it difficult. In fact, I started to paint for people in my neighborhood upon request.

"When talking to people whose livelihood was painting and learning the challenges they encountered in selling a single canvas, it set me to thinking about whether to pursue this dream of becoming a painter. Perhaps I should turn to a different field altogether?

"When I completed senior high, I used to visit a man by name of Musa at his workshop. He was into carving masks and sculptures. I'd observe him with his workers and saw the joy with which they went about their work. At the time, I was deep in thought as to what would be next for me. My love for the art field was so strong.

"After careful observation of their carving over a period of time, one day I went to the workshop as usual, picked a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed them doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new skill I'd acquired and decided to pursue it further.

"Because of my knowledge in painting, I was able to help Musa in creating very beautiful designs on the mask. In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either – I still paint for people upon request.

"I am now self employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings."

Abdul Aziz Mohamadu's work has been exhibited in Ghanaian venues as well as in Nigeria and Benin.